Abena Osei Asare is the PAC Chairman

The Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, Abena Osei Asare, has cautioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to exercise its mandate with professionalism.

Speaking to recent investigations including the former finance minister, Kenneth Ofori-Atta, by the OSP on JoyNews on June 9, 2025, she cautioned the anti-graft agency to be wary of breaching the human rights of people.

Abena Osei Asare explained that in its efforts to demand public accountability from certain individuals, the OSP, despite being established to fight corruption, must execute its mandate without violating individual’s rights.

According to her, acting contrary to these principles while exercising its mandate could undermine the very purpose of corruption fight and the promotion of accountability.

“I believe that in whatever we do, professionalism is key. The OSP has to carry out its mandate but it should also know that it has to be professional, so that at the end of the day, we all achieve the common good.

“That is how I look at it. OSP has a mandate. The OSP has to discharge its mandate because it has come to stay and it is supposed to help us fight corruption. So, that principle must not be sacrificed. All I'm saying is that it has to be done professionally,” she said.

Osei Asare, who is also the Member of Parliament for Atiwa East, expressed her disagreement and displeasure with certain ongoing developments involving the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and its pursuit of some politically exposed persons implicated in corruption-related charges.

However, she acknowledged that the OSP's work is necessary to fulfill its mandate.

“Let me mention that the OSP office is here to stay. Initially, many had disagreements on why we should have an OSP because we believe that there are several anti-corruption agencies and legislations to guide us. Yet, OSP was set up specifically for that reason and now it has come to stay and has a mandate,” she stated.

“As much as I may disagree with the kind of things happening out there, especially in terms of the public stance; the OSP has a mandate. I do not wish to comment on the ongoing efforts in the name of public accountability but the OSP should do what is expected of it,” she added.

MAG/VPO

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